Brian McCann is eligible to return from the disabled list Friday, but the Braves' All-Star catcher isn't likely to be activated until at least a couple more days after that.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez doesn't want to McCann to risk reinjuring his strained oblique muscle by trying to make it back too quickly. He said McCann could start a minor-league rehab assignment Friday and possibly come off the DL Sunday or Monday.

McCann said Monday, after taking batting practice for first time since his July 26 injury, that he hoped to begin a rehab assignment as soon as Wednesday and possibly return to the lineup Friday. That ambitious plan was eliminated Tuesday by Gonzalez.